NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan died Thursday at 71.
World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed his death on X, writing: "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans."
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died in Florida, surrounded by his family, his manager Chris Volo confirmed.
Police in Clearwater responded to a call Thursday morning about a cardiac arrest. Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital, police said in a statement.
Many from the wrestling world were remembering him on social media, including the Undertaker, who said Hogan's "contributions to our business are immeasurable." Ric Flair wrote he was "absolutely shocked," saying "our friendship has meant the world to me." Kane called him a "true legend," while Triple H wrote, "He was the archetype of what it meant to be a 'Superstar.'"
Hogan rose to stardom in the 1980s and '90s as perhaps the biggest name in wrestling, even inspiring the cultural phenomenon known as "Hulkamania." He won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
"Hulkamania" started running wild in the mid-1980s and pushed professional wrestling into the mainstream. Hogan's persona, or "gimmick," became that of a flag-waving American hero with a horseshoe mustache, red and yellow gear and massive arms he called his “24-inch pythons.” The WWE's runaway success into the '90s largely mirrored Hogan's own ascension as pop culture icon, and both became household names in America.
Hogan was also a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, “Hogan Knows Best.”
President Donald Trump, who counted Hogan among his supporters, took to his social media platform Thursday to say the "Hulkster" was “strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.”
He described Hogan as “MAGA all the way” and praised his speech at the Republican National Convention as “one of the highlights of the entire week.”
Hogan endorsed Trump in 2024, saying at the GOP convention, "At the end of the day, with our leader up there—my hero, that gladiator—we're going to bring America back together one real American at a time, brother."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.